Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest and throat that may be accompanied by symptoms like a bitter or sour taste in the mouth, coughing, hoarseness, or even choking.

It can be caused by health conditions like acid reflux, gastritis, or hiatal hernia, as well as by factors like pregnancy, excess weight, or the use of certain medications.

Simple strategies like avoiding lying down after meals, eating smaller portions, and cutting back on coffee may help relieve heartburn. However, in cases of persistent heartburn, it is important to consult a gastroenterologist to determine the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Common symptoms

The main symptoms of heartburn include:

Burning, pain, or discomfort in the chest and throat
Bitter or sour taste in the mouth
Hoarseness
Choking sensation
Coughing
Difficulty swallowing

These symptoms can be mild or intense and may occur after eating or when lying down or bending over.

Heartburn during pregnancy

Heartburn is common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that slow down digestion, increase stomach acid production, and relax the muscles of the stomach and esophagus.

In addition, the growing baby can put pressure on the stomach, which may lead to food and stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus.

How to confirm the diagnosis

Heartburn is diagnosed by a gastroenterologist or primary care doctor, based on a review of symptoms and medical history.

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may order tests such as an upper endoscopy, which examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first section of the small intestine).

Possible causes of heartburn

The most common causes of heartburn include:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Hiatal hernia
Gastritis
Smoking
Pregnancy
Stress
Excess body weight
Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and citalopram
Alcoholic beverages

Certain foods, like beer, chocolate, spicy foods, or coffee, can also cause heartburn in some people. These foods contain substances like caffeine, capsaicin, fat, or alcohol, which can irritate the stomach lining and cause stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus.

What helps with heartburn

Some options to help relieve heartburn include:

1. Medications for heartburn

Medications such as aluminum hydroxide, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), famotidine, vonoprazan, and cimetidine help neutralize or block stomach acid and histamine, temporarily easing heartburn discomfort.

These medications should only be used under medical supervision, depending on the underlying cause of the symptom.

2. Home remedies for heartburn

Home remedies like ginger tea, melon juice, and water with baking soda may provide natural relief from heartburn symptoms.

These substances have antacid properties that help reduce inflammation, decrease acidity, and protect the stomach lining.

Other tips to relieve heartburn

Some additional tips that may help with heartburn include:

Avoiding foods that trigger heartburn, such as cookies, sauces, sausages, ice cream, citrus fruits, spicy foods, alcohol, and coffee
Prioritizing easily digestible foods like non-citrus fruits, vegetables, and greens
Waiting at least two hours after eating before lying down to prevent stomach acid from flowing into the esophagus
Sleeping with a high pillow or elevating the head of the bed by about 4 inches
Maintaining a healthy weight, as belly fat can increase pressure on the stomach and push acid into the esophagus
Not skipping meals, as going long periods without food may expose the stomach lining to excess acid

It's also important to avoid drinking liquids during meals, as this increases the volume in the stomach and can make acid reflux more likely.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is milk good for heartburn?

Milk can help relieve heartburn symptoms temporarily in some people. Skim milk is generally the better option, as whole milk contains more fat, which can worsen heartburn.

However, milk only offers temporary relief and should not be used as a long-term treatment for heartburn.

2. Is lemon good for heartburn?

Some studies suggest that moderate amounts of lemon may help reduce heartburn in people who tolerate acidic fruits. This is because citric acid may help reduce the amount of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

Still, it's important to consult a gastroenterologist or dietitian to determine whether lemon can be safely included in the diet. Lemon should never replace medical treatment or be used to treat the underlying cause of heartburn.

3. Can constant heartburn be a sign of cancer?

Persistent heartburn may be a symptom of stomach cancer. However, it can also indicate other conditions like acid reflux, gastritis, hiatal hernia, or excess weight.

Anyone with ongoing heartburn should consult a gastroenterologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

4. Does banana cause heartburn?

Bananas do not cause heartburn. In fact, they are often recommended for people with heartburn, acid reflux, gastritis, or hiatal hernia.